Lutheran Social Services’ (LSS) portfolio of services might surprise you. The organization serves people of all ages through a wide variety of programs, social enterprises, and housing options throughout central Ohio and beyond. LSS is the 2017 recipient of The Columbus Foundation Award.

In 2006, a chance to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina sparked a passion for giving back in Rod and Dorothy Beehner that continues today. A life filled with travel, they decided to establish fund that will directly support an organization they care about.

For its extraordinary commitment to reuniting families and restoring trust and communication for families affected by addiction and justice system involvement, the Foundation is proud to honor Alvis with The Columbus Foundation Award.

The YMCA received a $300,000 grant from the Emergency Response Fund. One of the first grants awarded, the funds were used to address immediate housing needs, as well as to help with childcare needs as a result of the pandemic.

The Columbus Foundation is proud to honor Tom and Nancy Lurie with the 2021 Harrison M. Sayre Award in recognition of their deep and abiding commitment to community service.

The Columbus Foundation is proud to be the home of hundreds of scholarship funds established by donors to help make a difference in the lives of young people. Here’s a spotlight on one such student, Miles Balfour.

Directions for Youth & Families has played a vital role in the community for more than a century, offering mental, emotional, and behavioral health services to thousands of youth and their families each year. In partnership with 23 nonprofit organizations, the new Crittenton Community Center will offer services that address food insecurity, housing stability, and more, helping DFYF expand its reach to provide critical social services to even more youth and families.

The Kelley Family is synonymous with philanthropy in our community, and their commitment and dedication to revitalizing the South Side, where both Don and Nancy grew up, is an inspiring testament to their big hearts.

Married 18 years, Gene and Sheila Smith have called Columbus home since 2005. Gene describes Columbus as a city that has great leadership, collaboration, and diversity. Reflecting on how their families viewed philanthropy when they were younger, they each recognize that though the paths may have been different, the message was the same—helping others is important.

For nearly 140 years, the Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) has been delighting hometown audiences and visitors from around the globe. CMA’s permanent collection includes more than 10,500 works of art—with the strength of CMA’s collection in early 20th-century modern American and European art. Approximately 400,000 visitors experience CMA on-site or online each year. A variety of interactive events and programs at CMA encourage people of all ages to experience art.